Junior Principal Investigator – Translational Integrated Diagnostics

We are looking for an ambitious junior PI who bridges experimental biomedical research and data-analytical applications in healthcare. You will work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment where we are building the diagnostics of tomorrow.

Junior Principal Investigator – Translational Integrated Diagnostics

Dit ga je doen

Within the Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL), researchers with diverse expertise work closely together. For example, colleagues are engaged in nanomedicine, RNA delivery, immunological profiling, clinical chemistry, and diagnostics of blood disorders. The group includes Saskia Haitjema, Raymond Schiffelers, Gerard Pasterkamp, Wouter van Solinge, Richard van Wijk, Pieter Vader, Eric Spierings, and Dorte Hamann, among others. What connects them is their focus on translational research: from fundamental discovery in the lab to application at the patient's bedside.

We are looking to strengthen our team with a junior PI with a fresh perspective, who contributes from their own research profile to further integrating wet-lab techniques (such as single-cell sequencing, -omics) with advanced data analysis, for example through bioinformatics, machine learning, or AI. Themes such as personalized diagnostics and immune profiling, or RNA-based diagnostics and therapy offer ample opportunities in this regard.

You will have the freedom to develop your own research direction, in close collaboration with existing PIs and aligned with strategic themes of UMC Utrecht such as Connecting Worlds, Digital Transformation, and Lifestyle and Health. You will be supported in building a team, applying for funding (such as NWO Talent programmes, ZonMw, or EU initiatives), and developing (inter)national networks.

UMC Utrecht is actively committed to Recognition & Rewards, with career paths that provide room for research, education, clinical work, leadership, and societal impact. You will join a stimulating environment where open science, team science, and personal development are central.

As a Junior PI, you will establish and lead an independent research program embedded within a dynamic and collaborative research environment. You will contribute to cutting-edge translational research while building your own team and scientific identity.

Hier ga je werken

You will work at the Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL), an internationally leading university diagnostic laboratory. The CDL provides diagnostics for patients at UMC Utrecht and the Princess Máxima Center, ensuring that every patient receives the right diagnostic test, at the right time, and in the right place.

The CDL offers a comprehensive diagnostic package and guides applicants throughout the entire diagnostic process, from request to interpretation of results. The laboratory serves as a (inter)national center of expertise, providing highly specialized diagnostics and consultancy in the fields of clinical chemistry, endocrinology, hematology, blood transfusion, and immunology.

Furthermore, the CDL distinguishes itself in innovative diagnostic concepts, such as pediatric diagnostics, point-of-care diagnostics, home monitoring, e-health, and biomedical data analysis. The CDL facilitates clinical studies and biobanks and collaborates with academic and private partners on innovations in laboratory diagnostics. CDL research focuses on developing diagnostic and therapeutic technology, specifically cardiovascular diseases, benign hematology, nanoparticles, and tumor biology.

Dit neem je mee

Are you an ambitious and independent scientist ready to build your own research line at the interface of technology, biology, and data? Do you have a clear scientific vision and the drive to translate innovative ideas into impactful research that advances personalized and effective healthcare? Then we would like to meet you.

You hold a PhD in a relevant biomedical, pharmaceutical, or life sciences discipline and have completed postdoctoral training with a strong publication record. You demonstrate clear potential for scientific independence and have a well-defined research vision that complements and strengthens our strategic themes.

You have experience supervising students or junior researchers and show leadership potential in guiding a small research team. You are motivated to secure competitive research funding at national and international levels and are eager to contribute to collaborative consortia.

You combine scientific depth with strategic thinking. You are able to connect disciplines, translate complex ideas into feasible research programs, and communicate effectively with academic, clinical, and industrial partners. You thrive in a dynamic environment and contribute actively to shaping the scientific direction of the department.

You are a team player who values openness, collaboration, and mentorship. You contribute to a stimulating academic culture and support the development of young talent.

We offer a stimulating and supportive environment in which you can grow into a fully independent research leader. You will have access to excellent infrastructure, strong clinical and academic collaborations, and opportunities to develop your leadership profile. This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of translational biomedical research within a vibrant and ambitious organization.

This is a one-year contract with the possibility of permanent employment.

Dit bieden we jou

• A contract for a year, with the prospect of extension.
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.